One of the worlds great races is wrapping up - the Dakar rally. Sadly, I find that us Americans are woefully unaware of this classic, especially now that it's taking place in our hemisphere. (The Dakar Rally historically was from Paris to Dakar - a bulk of the race going through the Sahara Desert. Several years ago because of terrorist threats and security concerns, the race moved to South America. This years race went through Argentina, Chile and Peru).

Happily this year in addition to the daily video updates on the internet, the new NBC sports network has been giving 30min daily updates - Thank You!

So whether you are a Dakar fan or never heard of it, these photos are great and give a great taste of the 8000 mile race.

Posting photos from August's Yosemite trip - these Labs waiting for their people at a breakfast joint in Mammoth California, are the picture of patience.

Saw a semi-load of Christmas trees on the highway today. Can a Christmas tree stay reasonably fresh for two plus months? I don't know diddly about Christmas tree farming, but this doesn't seem right does it? At least its a reason why our tree starts shedding as soon as we bring it home.

Check out this 'Beneath the Streets of Arlington Heights' gallery at the Daily Herald website. Despite shows like 'Dirty Jobs', I forget (and assume others do too) that there is a labyrinth of tunnels beneath the streets. Bet it smells real good down there.

The National Wildlife Federation used one of my butterfly/milkweed photos in a story about attracting butterflies to your yard. Since I get so much joy about attracting butterflies to our yard, it adds some extra pride that they chose my photo.